William Royer

Who was William Royer?

William Howard Royer was an American politician and a member of the Republican Party. He served as a U.S. Representative from the 11th Congressional District of California from 1979 until 1981.

Born in Jerome, Idaho, Royer graduated from Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California. He earned his B.S. at Santa Clara University and did graduate work at what is now Oklahoma State University. He served in the United States Army Air Corps and worked as a realtor before entering politics. He served on the Redwood City Council from 1950 to 1966 and was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1972. He was reelected in 1976.

In 1979, Royer won a special election to succeed the late congressman Leo J. Ryan, winning with 57% of the vote. He finished out the remainder of Ryan's term but was defeated for reelection in 1980, losing 46.4% to 43.3% to Democratic challenger Tom Lantos. Royer ran against Lantos again in 1982, losing 57% to 40%.

Royer was married to his wife Shirley for 69 years and had two sons and grandchildren. Royer died on April 8, 2013 at the age of 92 in his Redwood City home of natural causes. His nephew Jim Harnett also served as mayor of Redwood City.